Two SKPS Seniors Selected as Student Delegates for the United States Senate Youth Program

The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) recently announced the selection of two Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) seniors, Kudzai Kapurura from South Salem High, and Justin Thach from West Salem High, to serve on the student delegation at the 57th annual USSYP Washington Week.

Kudzai is pictured next to Governor Brown on the right, with Justin pictured next to Governor Brown on the left.

Kudzai and Justin will represent Oregon when they join U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley this spring as they spend a week in Washington, D.C., joined by 102 fellow student delegates from each U.S. state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity. Each student delegate is designated by their chief state officer as holding outstanding leadership abilities, strong commitment to volunteer work and ranking academically as some of the best in their state among high school juniors and seniors. In addition to the opportunity to learn about future careers in public service, each student delegate will also receive a $10,000 college scholarship toward their undergraduate studies.

“I am simply blown away by the work and commitment of Justin and Kudzai,” said SKPS Director of High Schools Larry Ramirez. “These two are standout members of our community, and this opportunity will generate huge dividends in their futures as positive and knowledgeable leaders.”

During their trip to the nation’s capital, Justin and Kudzai will participate in an intensive study focused on strengthening student knowledge of our U.S. government, democratic decision-making and sharing the extensive work and responsibilities that come with a career in public service.